Pulaski County Special School District construction leadership told the board on Dec. 9 that three campus wastewater systems (Lawson, Landmark and Oak Grove) are old, in poor condition and face risk during the five‑year ADEQ permit renewal process.
Construction director Mr. Johnson said some tanks and components have exceeded their design life and are heavily corroded: "We've got systems that are rusting... there's no way that I can go in and drain the tank," he told the board, urging the district to begin engineering, design and permitting now because replacements can take months and will require health‑department and state approvals.
Johnson provided project updates: Robinson High School restroom masonry and steel work are underway with an optimistic handover for winter athletics; College Station GMP (guaranteed maximum price) and mobilization are expected in January and February with demolition targeted for March; Harris Elementary roof and gym work are complete but entry/office redesign continues; Jacksonville Elementary demolition/abatement plans require asbestos testing and likely abatement before further work.
On transportation, administration proposed an optional Transfinder add‑on for GPS bus tracking and student 'tag in/tag out' logging that would cost roughly $305,383 for initial equipment and installation and then about $120,000 per year thereafter, in addition to the district's existing $12,000 routing license. Board members asked for detailed specifications, consumable and recurring costs, and a competitive‑bid comparison before commitment.
Board members and the administration agreed to gather firm engineering estimates, discuss funding options and return to the board with a timeline and cost scenarios for wastewater repairs and any Phase 2 construction planning.